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CROCKPOT GOULASH RECIPE

A Hearty Classic: Slow Cooker American Goulash

CROCKPOT GOULASH RECIPE

Calling all comfort food enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into a beloved American classic – Slow Cooker American Goulash. This hearty dish is a one-pot wonder, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals. It's a symphony of flavors and textures, guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling warm and content.

Why You'll Love This Recipe:

  • Effortless Comfort: This recipe utilizes the magic of the slow cooker, allowing you to throw everything in and let it simmer for delicious results. Minimal prep work and hands-on time make it a perfect choice for busy cooks.
  • Family-Friendly Favorite: The combination of ground beef, tender vegetables, and pasta creates a crowd-pleasing dish that's sure to be a hit with adults and children alike.
  • Customizable: Feel free to add your own personal touch to the recipe. Experiment with different types of vegetables, spices, or even different pasta shapes.

Ingredients:

  • For the Savory Base:
    • 2 pounds ground beef
    • ½ onion, diced
    • 1 green bell pepper, diced
    • 1 red bell pepper, diced
    • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • For the Hearty Tomato Sauce:
    • 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) tomato sauce
    • 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes (undrained)
    • 2 cups beef broth
  • For the Pasta Perfection:
    • 1 box (about 12 ounces) dry, uncooked macaroni
    • 1 cup frozen peas


Instructions:

  1. Browning the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbly. Drain any excess grease.
  2. Sautéing the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, or until softened and tender.
  3. Aromatics at Play: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the fragrant garlic aroma to release.
  4. Transferring to the Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned ground beef and cooked vegetables to a 6-quart slow cooker.
  5. Building the Flavor: Add the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (undrained), and beef broth to the slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to combine the flavors.
  6. Slow Cooker Magic: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3.5 hours.
  7. Preparing the Pasta: While the goulash simmers in the slow cooker, cook the macaroni according to package directions about 1 hour before serving.
  8. Pasta and Peas: Approximately 30 minutes before serving, stir the cooked and drained macaroni and frozen peas into the slow cooker.
  9. The Finishing Touch: Let the mixture simmer for an additional 30 minutes, or until the peas are heated through and the flavors have melded beautifully.
  10. Serve and Savor: Serve the Slow Cooker American Goulash hot, spooned over a bed of cooked pasta. Garnish with your favorites, such as grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Enjoy this comforting classic and create lasting mealtime memories!

Tips:

  • For a thicker goulash, you can add a cornstarch slurry (a mixture of cornstarch and water) in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

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